Account

The Actual News

Just the Facts, from multiple news sources.

US News

Latest developments and key stories from across the United States

Epstein Files: Marjorie Taylor Greene Defends Donald Trump Over 'Smears'

Epstein Files: Marjorie Taylor Greene Defends Donald Trump Over 'Smears'

Summary

U.S. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene defended President Donald Trump in response to new Jeffrey Epstein emails that raised questions about Trump's knowledge of Epstein's actions. Greene accused Democrats of smearing Trump and called for the release of all Epstein-related files for transparency. The emails suggested a possible connection between Trump and Epstein, which Greene and the White House have dismissed as a politically motivated attack.

Key Facts

  • Marjorie Taylor Greene is a U.S. Representative and a supporter of President Donald Trump.
  • New emails concerning Jeffrey Epstein have been released, raising questions about President Trump's ties to Epstein.
  • Greene accused Democrats of using the situation to smear President Trump.
  • Greene is among four Republicans who want a full release of Epstein's investigation files.
  • President Trump referred to the issue as a hoax created by Democrats to distract from other political matters.
  • The emails include claims from Epstein suggesting Trump knew about his activities.
  • Trump's administration had previously promised transparency regarding the Epstein files.
  • The White House Press Secretary has criticized the selective release of emails as misleading.

Source Verification

Trump signs government funding bill, ending record 43-day shutdown

Trump signs government funding bill, ending record 43-day shutdown

Summary

President Donald Trump signed a bill to provide funding for the government, ending a 43-day shutdown. The shutdown, the longest in U.S. history, caused issues for federal workers and the public.

Key Facts

  • President Trump signed a government funding bill on Wednesday.
  • The shutdown lasted 43 days, marking the longest in U.S. history.
  • Federal workers were financially affected as they missed paychecks.
  • Airports encountered problems, leaving travelers stranded.
  • Some food banks saw increased demand and long lines.
  • President Trump used unilateral actions to pressure Democrats.
  • Trump blamed the shutdown on the Democrats.
  • He suggested voters should not support Democrats in the upcoming elections.

Source Verification

Did Donald Trump Spend Thanksgiving With Epstein as President? What We Know

Did Donald Trump Spend Thanksgiving With Epstein as President? What We Know

Summary

President Donald Trump was accused of spending Thanksgiving in 2017 with Jeffrey Epstein based on a 2017 email exchange between modeling manager Faith Kates and Epstein. There is no concrete proof supporting this claim, and White House records indicate Trump was at Mar-a-Lago during that time. Newly released documents have brought renewed attention to Trump's past relationship with Epstein.

Key Facts

  • President Trump is accused of spending Thanksgiving 2017 with Jeffrey Epstein, but there is no solid evidence.
  • A 2017 email mentions Trump, but it does not confirm he was with Epstein.
  • White House records indicate Trump was at Mar-a-Lago for Thanksgiving in 2017.
  • U.S. lawmakers recently released over 20,000 pages of documents from Epstein's estate.
  • Emails reveal Epstein referred to Trump and mentioned others like Steve Bannon and Larry Summers in discussions.
  • Trump denied any wrongdoing and said his association with Epstein ended in the early 2000s.
  • The House is set to vote on releasing more Epstein-related records after a petition reached the necessary signatures.

Source Verification

Washington DC Changes Laws on 'No Tax on Tips' and Overtime Pay

Washington DC Changes Laws on 'No Tax on Tips' and Overtime Pay

Summary

The Washington D.C. Council has passed a temporary law to stop certain parts of their tax code from matching federal tax changes introduced by President Donald Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill Act. This decision prevents tax breaks on tips and overtime pay from applying to local taxes, impacting hospitality workers in D.C.

Key Facts

  • The D.C. Council voted to decouple parts of its tax code from federal law, rejecting 13 out of 84 new tax provisions under the OBBB Act.
  • The change means D.C. workers can’t deduct tips and overtime pay on their local taxes, although they can on federal taxes.
  • Under the federal law, single filers could claim up to $25,000 in tips and $12,500 in overtime for deductions.
  • D.C. is facing over a $1 billion revenue shortfall in the next three years due to job losses and increased costs.
  • The council expects to save millions in revenue by rejecting these federal tax provisions.
  • Part of the saved revenue will fund local priorities like a new child tax credit and matching the federal Earned Income Tax Credit.
  • The emergency measure is designed to last 90 days, with plans for a temporary extension of 225 days.
  • A permanent change will need more approval and possibly public input.

Source Verification

Can Trump dole out $2,000 tariff dividends, direct healthcare payments?

Can Trump dole out $2,000 tariff dividends, direct healthcare payments?

Summary

President Donald Trump proposed several policy ideas, including 50-year mortgages, $2,000 dividends from tariff revenues, and direct healthcare payments to Americans. These ideas are currently informal suggestions without formal proposals. Most would need Congress to make them happen.

Key Facts

  • President Trump suggested a 50-year mortgage, which would mean smaller monthly payments but more interest over time.
  • A 50-year mortgage would mean paying interest for a longer period and could delay fully owning a home.
  • Trump proposed giving Americans $2,000 dividends from tariff revenues.
  • He suggested paying Americans directly for healthcare instead of going through insurance companies.
  • These ideas came up during discussions about the government shutdown and need formal proposals to move forward.
  • For any of these ideas to be realized, they would need approval from both the House and the Senate.
  • The mortgage idea began with Federal Housing Director Bill Pulte and was discussed by Trump on truth social media platforms and in interviews.

Source Verification

Home Depot Flooded With Trump Jokes Mocking Oval Office Décor

Home Depot Flooded With Trump Jokes Mocking Oval Office Décor

Summary

People have flooded Home Depot with humorous reviews claiming that President Donald Trump used their products for White House renovations, particularly in the Oval Office. Although President Trump denied that the golden decorations came from Home Depot, the theory gained traction on social media.

Key Facts

  • President Donald Trump has made significant renovations to the White House since returning to office.
  • The Oval Office renovations include gold decorations like medallions, figurines, and mirrors.
  • Social media users joked that these gold items came from Home Depot, despite Trump's denial.
  • Home Depot received many humorous reviews mentioning Trump's Oval Office décor.
  • A specific product, a polyurethane moulding, is the focus of jokes due to its resemblance to the White House decorations.
  • Some reviews sarcastically praised the product, describing it as being like those in the Oval Office.
  • The renovations at the White House have sparked both criticism and praise online.

Source Verification

Hemp Ban: Full List of THC-Derived Products That Face Being Pulled

Hemp Ban: Full List of THC-Derived Products That Face Being Pulled

Summary

The U.S. Senate passed a government funding bill that includes a provision to ban many THC-infused products. The new rules would tighten the 2018 Farm Bill's regulations, affecting about 95 percent of hemp businesses. This change aims to close legal loopholes and may impact the market next year.

Key Facts

  • The Senate's new funding bill includes a ban on many hemp-derived THC products.
  • The rule change is part of tightening laws from the 2018 Farm Bill, which legalized hemp.
  • This new legislation could impact around 95 percent of hemp businesses in the U.S.
  • An estimated $1.5 billion in tax revenue could be lost, according to industry groups.
  • The law will target products with more than 0.4 milligrams of total THC per package.
  • Products like gummies, oils, vapes, and chews with high THC will be banned.
  • Only products containing non-intoxicating CBD with less than 0.4 mg of THC will remain legal.
  • Industrial hemp fiber and grains are not affected by these changes.

Source Verification

Record share of women want to leave U.S. for good — more than double that of men

Record share of women want to leave U.S. for good — more than double that of men

Summary

A Gallup survey reveals that 40% of young women in the U.S. say they want to move to another country, which is more than twice the percentage of men. The interest in leaving has increased among women due to political dissatisfaction, especially since certain changes in U.S. policies and court decisions. This trend shows a significant gender divide in attitudes towards living in the U.S.

Key Facts

  • 40% of young women aged 15 to 44 want to leave the U.S., which is twice the percentage of men.
  • Women's interest in leaving surged after political changes and Supreme Court decisions in recent years.
  • 60% of young women identify as Democrats or lean that way, compared to 39% of young men.
  • The survey included 1,000 Americans and was conducted over the summer.
  • The 21-point gap between young men and women in the U.S. expressing a desire to leave is a record globally.
  • Women in the U.S. want to leave more than women in other wealthy countries.
  • Unmarried women are more likely to want to move than married women, but the difference is narrowing.
  • The desire to move does not necessarily mean that people will leave.

Source Verification

Starbucks Strikes To Hit 40 US Cities Today: What We Know

Starbucks Strikes To Hit 40 US Cities Today: What We Know

Summary

Starbucks workers are holding walkouts across 40 U.S. cities today. The protests are part of a dispute over pay and staffing issues, coinciding with the company's Red Cup Day promotion.

Key Facts

  • Workers at Starbucks stores in 40 U.S. cities are protesting today.
  • The protests align with Starbucks' Red Cup Day event, which attracts many customers.
  • Over 1,000 Starbucks employees are expected to join the walkouts.
  • The strikes are organized by Starbucks Workers United, a union that represents staff at 550 stores.
  • The protest is due to unresolved issues over pay and staffing, with no new offer since April.
  • Starbucks claims negotiations are stalled due to the union, stating they are ready to resume talks.
  • Key cities affected include New York City, Dallas, Minneapolis, Philadelphia, and Seattle.

Source Verification

Epstein Emails: Trump Facing Republican Rebellion Over House Vote—Live Updates

Epstein Emails: Trump Facing Republican Rebellion Over House Vote—Live Updates

Summary

The U.S. House of Representatives will vote next week on whether to release all of the Justice Department's case files related to Jeffrey Epstein. President Trump is implicated in the controversy through newly released emails from Epstein, which mention his involvement. Four Republicans joined Democrats in supporting the vote for file release.

Key Facts

  • The House of Representatives will vote on a bill requiring the Justice Department to release its Epstein case files.
  • Newly released emails from Epstein mention President Trump and suggest he knew about underage girls connected to Epstein.
  • The emails were released by the House Oversight Committee as part of their investigation.
  • Four Republicans, including Lauren Boebert and Marjorie Taylor Greene, signed a petition with Democrats to force the vote.
  • President Trump called the Epstein case a "hoax" and warned Republicans against supporting the petition.
  • The vote was triggered after Democratic Congresswoman Adelita Grijalva signed the petition as its last required signature.
  • A total of 213 Democrats and four Republicans in the House signed the petition for the vote.
  • House Speaker Mike Johnson announced the vote will happen next week.

Source Verification

When Will Jeffrey Epstein Files Be Released? Mike Johnson Gives Vote Update

When Will Jeffrey Epstein Files Be Released? Mike Johnson Gives Vote Update

Summary

The House of Representatives plans to vote soon on a bill that would require the release of Justice Department files about Jeffrey Epstein. House Speaker Mike Johnson announced the vote could happen next week. The bill, backed by both parties, aims to shed light on Epstein's ties and activities.

Key Facts

  • The House of Representatives wants to release Justice Department files on Jeffrey Epstein.
  • House Speaker Mike Johnson plans to have a vote on the bill next week.
  • The bill was introduced by Republican Thomas Massie and Democrat Ro Khanna in September.
  • It has enough support with 218 signatures to move forward.
  • The decision comes after a 43-day government shutdown ended.
  • Only four Republicans signed the initial petition, but support is growing.
  • President Trump has denied any involvement in Epstein’s crimes and called related allegations a "hoax."

Source Verification

Donald Trump’s H-1B Visa Headache

Donald Trump’s H-1B Visa Headache

Summary

President Donald Trump is dealing with challenges over H-1B visas, which allow skilled workers from other countries to work in the U.S. His administration has increased fees for these visas, causing disagreements and legal disputes. Trump said these skilled workers are essential, but some of his supporters want stricter limits on immigration to protect American jobs.

Key Facts

  • President Trump supports the use of H-1B visas to bring skilled foreign workers to the U.S.
  • The Trump administration has imposed higher fees for H-1B visa applications.
  • Some supporters criticize Trump, believing foreign workers take jobs from Americans.
  • China and Canada have introduced programs to attract skilled workers.
  • The White House says the goal is to temporarily bring workers to train Americans.
  • MAGA supporters, including influencers, expressed disappointment with Trump's stance.
  • Critics argue that H-1B visas contribute to economic growth in the U.S.

Source Verification

SNAP Benefits Timeline: When Payments Will Resume After Shutdown Ends

SNAP Benefits Timeline: When Payments Will Resume After Shutdown Ends

Summary

President Donald Trump signed a bill to end the longest U.S. government shutdown, allowing the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to resume payments. Millions of Americans who rely on SNAP, also known as food stamps, faced delays during the 43-day shutdown. The timing of resumed payments will differ by state, but most recipients should receive their benefits within a few days.

Key Facts

  • President Trump signed the bill ending the shutdown, which lasted 43 days.
  • SNAP provides food assistance to about 42 million Americans.
  • Many people experienced delays in receiving SNAP benefits during the shutdown.
  • Payments are expected to resume soon, but the timeline will vary by state.
  • Some states, like South Carolina and West Virginia, are expected to distribute payments quickly.
  • States that issued partial benefits may need additional time to complete payments.
  • The shutdown's end will help families and possibly boost the economy as people receive benefits.

Source Verification

John Fetterman Says Left on Bluesky Crueler Than MAGA

John Fetterman Says Left on Bluesky Crueler Than MAGA

Summary

Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman mentioned that users on the social media platform Bluesky are meaner from the left than those from the MAGA movement on the right. He experienced harsh comments hoping for his harm after voting with Republicans to end a government shutdown. Fetterman shared his thoughts while promoting his book, which discusses his experiences with criticism from both sides of the political spectrum.

Key Facts

  • Senator John Fetterman said people on the left on Bluesky have been meaner to him than those from the MAGA (Make America Great Again) movement.
  • On CNN, Fetterman explained that while right-wing users called him names, some left-wing users wished for his harm.
  • Fetterman had a stroke in May 2022, and some online comments cruelly referenced this.
  • He voted with Republicans to end a 40-day government shutdown, which upset some Democrats.
  • The decision to end the shutdown did not include an extension for certain healthcare tax credits.
  • Fetterman is promoting his new book "Unfettered," where he writes about harsh comments from both political sides.
  • He expressed remorse for the consequences of the shutdown, particularly for affected government workers and military personnel.

Source Verification

When SNAP Benefits Could Be Paid Under Judge's Latest Order

When SNAP Benefits Could Be Paid Under Judge's Latest Order

Summary

A federal judge in Massachusetts ordered the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to release emergency funds for SNAP benefits by November 13. This decision affects around 42 million Americans relying on these benefits during a government shutdown.

Key Facts

  • The judge ordered the USDA to release funds by noon on November 13, 2025.
  • The funds will provide 65% of normal SNAP benefits due to limited contingency reserves.
  • SNAP benefits help over 42 million people in the U.S. buy food.
  • The ruling allows the USDA to release full funds if they choose.
  • The order results from legal cases involving 25 states and the USDA.
  • The USDA claims lack of funds without a fiscal year 2026 budget from Congress.
  • Some courts argue the USDA can use a $4.65 billion reserve to fund SNAP.
  • The Supreme Court is reviewing a related decision from Rhode Island.

Source Verification

Full List of Republicans Voting for Release of Jeffrey Epstein Files

Full List of Republicans Voting for Release of Jeffrey Epstein Files

Summary

The U.S. House of Representatives will vote on a bill to release all Justice Department case files on Jeffrey Epstein. A petition supporting the vote was signed by all 213 House Democrats and four Republican representatives. The release of these files has gained attention due to Epstein’s connections to public figures, including President Trump.

Key Facts

  • The House is set to vote on releasing Epstein files after a petition was signed by 213 Democrats and four Republicans.
  • Democratic Congresswoman Adelita Grijalva’s signature was needed to force the vote after a delay in her joining Congress.
  • Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson plans to bring the bill to the floor next week.
  • The bill requires the Justice Department to release Epstein files within 30 days of passage.
  • Representative Thomas Massie led the petition with support from Marjorie Taylor Greene, Nancy Mace, and Lauren Boebert.
  • President Trump has dismissed the focus on Epstein as a "hoax" by Democrats.
  • Epstein was found dead in 2019, and his connections to powerful figures have stirred public interest.
  • Epstein's files have been a topic of controversy, influencing political discussions.

Source Verification

Civil rights leader Jesse Jackson hospitalized

Civil rights leader Jesse Jackson hospitalized

Summary

Rev. Jesse Jackson, a well-known civil rights leader, is in the hospital in Chicago. He is being watched for a condition called Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, which he has been dealing with for over ten years.

Key Facts

  • Jesse Jackson is hospitalized in Chicago.
  • He is being observed for Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP).
  • Jackson has managed this condition for more than a decade.
  • He was first diagnosed with Parkinson's disease before confirming PSP in April.
  • Jackson has been a key figure in the U.S. civil rights movement since the 1960s.
  • He worked with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in the Freedom Movement.
  • Jackson ran for president twice as a Democrat.
  • He retired from Rainbow PUSH leadership in 2023 after a long career in activism.

Source Verification

Why Homeschooling Is Still on the Rise

Why Homeschooling Is Still on the Rise

Summary

More families in the U.S. are choosing to homeschool their children even after the COVID-19 pandemic, with many wanting to personalize their children's education. Recent data shows homeschooling rates have almost doubled since before the pandemic. Parents cite several reasons for homeschooling, including concerns about the school environment and dissatisfaction with academic offerings in traditional schools.

Key Facts

  • Homeschooling rates increased to 5.92% of school-aged children in the 2023-24 school year, up from 5.82% the previous year.
  • These rates have almost doubled from before the pandemic, which was at 2.8% in 2019.
  • 19 out of 21 states reporting data showed increases in homeschooling.
  • Parents mentioned concerns about school safety, drug exposure, and peer pressure as top reasons for homeschooling.
  • Dissatisfaction with academic instruction and the desire for religious teaching and nontraditional education are also common reasons.
  • The COVID-19 pandemic initially increased homeschooling sharply, but many families chose to continue afterward for various benefits.
  • New families choosing homeschooling come from diverse backgrounds and are not limited to those motivated by religious reasons.
  • Programs like eXtend Homeschool Tutorial offer community-based group learning options that became more popular during COVID-19 times.

Source Verification

How Rising Bird Flu Cases Could Affect Holiday Grocery Costs

How Rising Bird Flu Cases Could Affect Holiday Grocery Costs

Summary

Bird flu cases are rising in the United States, affecting several states. This increase in bird flu could influence grocery prices, especially for eggs, during the holiday season. While there may be some impact on egg prices, it's unlikely to affect Thanksgiving turkey costs.

Key Facts

  • Bird flu, also known as avian influenza, is spreading again in the U.S., impacting states like California, Minnesota, and Michigan.
  • The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reports this as a usual pattern related to wild bird migrations.
  • 0.06 million birds were affected in August, rising to 3.95 million by October.
  • Increased cases could lead to higher egg prices but are less likely to affect turkey prices for Thanksgiving.
  • The ongoing federal government shutdown may slightly hinder bird flu monitoring efforts.
  • Turkeys for Thanksgiving have already been harvested and are stored, reducing the impact on holiday costs.
  • USDA monitoring programs are important for tracking the spread of bird flu.
  • Experts note that bird population and supply changes could affect future turkey product availability.

Source Verification

US Catholic Bishops Join Pope Attacking Trump's Crackdown

US Catholic Bishops Join Pope Attacking Trump's Crackdown

Summary

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has criticized President Trump's immigration policies, calling for an end to harmful language and actions towards migrants. The bishops expressed worry about the impact of current policies on migrant communities, including fear, anxiety, and the loss of legal status for some immigrants.

Key Facts

  • The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops criticized President Trump's immigration policies.
  • The bishops called for an end to "dehumanizing rhetoric and violence" against migrants.
  • The bishops nearly unanimously voted to condemn the Trump administration's immigration policies.
  • They expressed concern about the fear and anxiety among migrant communities.
  • The bishops highlighted poor conditions in detention centers and lack of pastoral care.
  • They also noted concerns about immigrants losing their legal status.
  • The bishops mentioned threats against houses of worship, hospitals, and schools regarding immigration issues.

Source Verification